New figures show the number of people starting apprenticeships in the South-East has fallen by 8,750 under the present Government.
This comes alongside new fears that the quality of apprenticeships is being undermined, with a government report finding that 21 per cent of apprentices are receiving no training, while 15 per cent of apprentices are not receiving the appropriate minimum wage they are due, rising to 24 per cent for 16 to 18-year-olds on level 2 and level 3 apprenticeships.